{"id":50466,"date":"2023-05-24T12:01:52","date_gmt":"2023-05-24T16:01:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/autosector.com\/?p=50466"},"modified":"2023-05-24T12:01:52","modified_gmt":"2023-05-24T16:01:52","slug":"bmw-debuts-electric-i5-gaming-hands-free-driving-change-lanes-with-eyes-ev","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/?p=50466","title":{"rendered":"BMW debuts electric i5 with gaming, hands-free driving and lets you change lanes with your eyes"},"content":{"rendered":"
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After teasing glimpses of its first all-electric 5 Series for weeks, BMW has globally debuted the first two available trims of the i5, including an M performance version with 590 horsepower. The German automaker<\/a> has introduced a lot of new technology in its latest generation of its long-running series, including in-car gaming, a range conservation mode, and eye activated lane changes.<\/p>\n

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Table of contents<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n

Finally! The all-electric BMW 5 Series has arrived<\/h2>\n

We\u2019ve been talking about an all-electric 5 series for six years now, but it wasn\u2019t until recently that BMW began hinting at its inevitable arrival. <\/p>\n

As a combustion model, the 5 series has been a staple in BMW\u2019s lineup since 1972 and remains the German automaker\u2019s second best-selling vehicle behind the 3 series. We saw BMW kick off its all-electric models with the i3, and the automaker has used that\u00a0now-defunct EV<\/a>\u00a0as an appetizer to larger, better-performing models, like\u00a0the revamped i4 sport coupe<\/a>, iX SUV, and\u00a0i7 sedan<\/a>.<\/p>\n

For months now, we\u2019ve known an all-electric version of the 5 Series was in the works alongside plug-in and combustion variants, but we didn\u2019t really get a feel for what to expect in the new i5 until late April when the sedan was seen enduring summer testing. Still, those images were camo\u2019d<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Last week, we got our first genuine image <\/a>of the all-electric BMW i5 which we can now recognize as the eDrive40 (seen below). Today however, BMW has pulled the entire veil off both all-electric 5 Series variants, and there\u2019s a lot to get excited about if you\u2019re a fan of the brand.<\/p>\n

The electric BMW i5 is longer, wider, taller, and lit up<\/h2>\n

Boy are German automakers passionate about their work. Their pride in new features is apparent in their consistently \u201cdetailed\u201d press releases that leave no tidbits of information left to the imagination. There\u2019s only so much we can cover before you scroll on, so we recommend checking out BMW\u2019s latest press release<\/a> for all the details of the i5.<\/p>\n

The new lineup of the 5 Series is larger all around compared to its previous generation. Its length has been stretched by 3.4 inches to 199.2, it\u2019s wider by 1.3 inches (74.8 in total), and it\u2019s taller by 1.4 inches (59.6 inches in all). As a result of the length, the 5\u2019s wheelbase has been increased by 0.8 inches to 117.9, adding a tad of interior seating space, particularly in the back.<\/p>\n

At launch, BMW will provide two all-electric variants of the i5 that feature the automaker\u2019s fifth-generation eDrive technology. Customers can choose from a single-motor RWD i5 eDrive40, or an M60 xDrive performance model, positioned as the pinnacle of the entire 5 Series range.<\/p>\n

The M60 variant especially showcases some new exterior features joining the 5 Series, including a black front apron with large air intakes, a grill featuring horizontal slats and the recognizable M performance logo, side skirts and exterior mirror caps finished in high-gloss black, and 19\u2033 M light-alloy wheels.<\/p>\n

BMW has also introduced an M Sport Package available to add to all versions of the 5 Series that includes an illuminated kidney grill framed in high-gloss black (seen above), M Shadowline headlights, and a rear spoiler. Customers can also add red calipers to the brakes if they just co choose. <\/p>\n

Game on! The 5 Series gets an interior facelift<\/h2>\n

Moving inward, BMW has introduced a new fully-digital curved display which the automaker states now \u201crepresents the heart of the interior redesign.\u201d The electric i5 models will come standard with a new Interaction Bar complete with ambient lighting in the instrument panel and door areas, plus a new gear selector switch in the center console.<\/p>\n

The new frameless curved display is comprised of a 12.3\u2033 information screen behind the steering wheel and a 14.9\u2033 control display, merged into one high-\u00adresolution unit powered by BMW\u2019s latest generation Operating System 8.5 \u2013 complete with a new graphic display, start screen, and \u201cQuickSelect\u201d access.<\/p>\n

BMW says OS 8.5 offers more digital information and entertainment to future drivers, including new streaming programs and for the first time ever in a 5 Series \u2013 in-car gaming thanks to the AirConsole platform.<\/p>\n

While the EV is stationary, the driver and their passengers can connect their smartphones using a QR code on the curved display, and use them as controllers to begin gaming instantly. BMW says AirConsole already has about 20 game titles including Go Kart Go<\/em>, which looks similar enough to MarioKart<\/em> that I\u2019m surprised legal action has not been taken. <\/p>\n

Anyways, you can game while you charge, nice!<\/p>\n

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Hands-free driving and eye activated lane changes<\/h2>\n

One of the cooler features on the upcoming electric i5 is BMW\u2019s optional Driving Assistance Professional package, which includes Highway Assistant. This ADAS features enables the i5 driver to operate hands-free at speeds up to 85 mph where conditions and speed limits allow, as long as they keep their eyes up.<\/p>\n

The driver\u2019s attention is continuously monitored by an interior camera, and they are fully responsible for driving and anything that happens on the road, even when Highway Assistant is activated. That means this is still a Level 2 autonomy feature at best.<\/p>\n

BMW has utilized its eye monitoring technology in a new and unique way that alleviates the need to activate a turn signal in order to initiate a proposed hands-free lane change. When BMW begins deliveries, electric i5 owners will be able to confirm the movement by simply peering over to the respective sideview mirror.<\/p>\n

The i5 can recognize the visual cue, then perform the lane change at speeds again, up to 85 mph (traffic conditions and speed limits permitting). Can\u2019t wait to try this feature out.<\/p>\n

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Specs, pricing, and an introductory video<\/h2>\n

Alright, it\u2019s been a journey to get here, but let\u2019s dig into how these two versions of BMW\u2019s first all-electric 5 Series break down. As we previously mentioned, initial customers will get to choose between the standard RWD i5 and the dual-motor M variant.<\/p>\n

The i5 M60 xDrive as well as an eDrive40 donning the optional M Sport package, come equipped with a shift paddle left of the steering marked \u201cBoost\u201d that can be tapped to activate the electric BMW\u2019s full drive power and trigger maximum acceleration. The i5\u2019s electric sound design also automatically shifts to \u201csport\u201d to add to the sensory driving experience.<\/p>\n

The single motor in the rear of the electric BMW i5 eDrive40 delivers a maximum power output of 335 hp and of 295 lb-ft maximum torque (317 lb-ft when the Sport Boost or Launch Control function is activated). Its acceleration from 0-60 mph is laggard 5.7 seconds and its max speed has been electronically limited by BMW to 120 mph. The automaker also described what the i5 M60 is packing:<\/p>\n

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Two highly integrated drive units on the front and rear axles, in which the electric motor, power electronics, and transmission are compactly combined in a common housing, form an electric all-wheel drive system that enables the BMW i5 M60 xDrive to deliver captivating dynamic performance. The electric motor acting on the rear wheels generates a maximum power output of 335 hp, while the motor at the front axle produces 257 hp. The total system torque generated by both motors is 549 lb-ft, or 605 lb-ft when M Sport Boost or the M Launch Control function is\u00a0activated.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

The new BMW i5 M60 is significantly quicker than the eDrive40, accelerating 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds. Its max speed has been electronically limited to 143 mph when equipped with performance tires (130 mph with all-season tires).<\/p>\n

Like the motors themselves, BMW\u2019s battery packs also make up its fifth-generation iDrive unit and consist of four modules with 72 battery cells each and three modules with twelve cells each.\u00a0The modules combine for a usable capacity of 84.3 kWh and deliver the following estimated ranges and charge rates:<\/p>\n

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  • The i5 eDrive40 is estimated to travel up to 295 miles on a single charge on 19\u2033 wheels (BMW estimated, not EPA)<\/li>\n
  • i5 M60 xDrive delivers a (BMW) estimated 256 miles of range<\/li>\n
  • Combined Charging Unit enables Level 2 AC charging up to 11 kW<\/li>\n
  • The i5 can reach a rate of 205 kW on a DC fast charger, replenishing from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    To help conserve range during dire situations, BMW has introduced a new drive system function owners can activate called Max Range. In this mode, drive power and top speed are restricted, while comfort functions are reduced to conserve battery power. Per BMW:<\/p>\n

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    Max Range mode is primarily for critical situations where drivers are unable to recharge mid-journey where they had originally planned and must continue to an alternative charging point. The Max Range mode can be selected using the control display\u2019s touchscreen functionality, the iDrive Controller, or voice commands to the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. It can also be deactivated by full-throttle acceleration (kickdown), engaging the M Sport Boost function, or switching the window defrost to maximum.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

    Still with us? Almost done, promise.<\/p>\n

    The new all-electric i5 models will be be built at Plant Dingolfing, BMW\u2019s largest European plant \u2013 which has been home to Series 5 production since its birth 50 years ago. The global market launch will begin in October 2023 with the all-electric versions and will be followed by plug-in hybrid variants in the US in 2024. Here\u2019s how initial pricing will break down.<\/p>\n

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    • i5 eDrive40<\/strong> \u2013 $66,800 (+ $995 destination and handling)<\/li>\n
    • i5 M60 xDrive<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 $84,100 (+ $995 destination and handling)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Want to see more? Check out the introductory video of the all-electric i5 posted to BMW\u2019s YouTube page today. <\/p>\n

      Are you into the first electric 5 Series? Is the eye activated lane change a gimmick or the future of hands-free? Tell us what you think in the comments!<\/p>\n

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